Defence counsel for Moa, Kirsten Gray, told the Christchurch District Court today that the woman had moved out of the Sockburn address after spending some time in hospital.

Moa has been in custody since his arrest and applied for release on bail at a hearing before Judge Robert Murfitt today.

Police withdrew a charge of injuring with intent, and replaced it with a more serious charge of causing grievous bodily harm to the woman.

Moa was a director of his own decorating business and had three employees relying on him, Gray told the court.

Judge Murfitt said Moa and his partner had been in a relationship for three months. The woman had been able to get her belongings out of the residence without having to see Moa while he was in custody.